Army Bharti Update: Major Recruitment Change — NCC 'C' Certificate Holders to Be Selected Without Exam

In a significant move aimed at simplifying the Agniveer recruitment process, the Indian Army has announced major reforms that will benefit thousands of aspirants across the country. The most noteworthy change is the direct selection of candidates holding the NCC ‘C’ certificate—who will now be exempted from the written examination phase and directly called for recruitment rallies. This decision marks a turning point in how the Indian Army is reshaping its intake policy to attract a broader pool of talented youth.

Key Decisions Taken in Lucknow Meeting

The announcement followed a high-level meeting of Army officers held in Lucknow, where various changes to the Agniveer recruitment rules were discussed to encourage greater participation. One of the major points of agreement was the removal of the minimum percentage requirement for 10th and 12th-grade pass candidates. While a timeline for implementing this has yet to be announced, this move could significantly expand the eligible applicant base.

Exam to Be Conducted in 13 Languages, Dual Application Allowed

In a bid to make the process more inclusive, the Agniveer entrance exam will now be conducted in 13 regional languages — including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Odia, Bengali, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi, and Assamese. Moreover, aspirants can now apply for two different posts, offering more flexibility and opportunities for candidates with varied skill sets.

During the last rally held in Varanasi, 627 candidates were selected, while the upcoming rally is expected to fill approximately 1,300 vacancies.

Understanding NCC Certificates: What Makes the ‘C’ Certificate Valuable?

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) issues three types of certificates — ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’. The ‘A’ certificate is for junior division cadets, ‘B’ for intermediate-level cadets, and ‘C’ certificate is granted at the degree level, awarded to candidates securing more than 50% marks. The ‘C’ certificate plays a crucial role in providing candidates with priority in Army, paramilitary, and police recruitments. With the latest decision, its value in the Agniveer selection process has significantly increased.

Future Implementation and Application Opportunities

Speaking on the subject, Shailesh Kumar, Director of the Army Recruitment Office in Varanasi, confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding direct rally participation for NCC ‘C’ certificate holders and the elimination of percentage barriers for educational qualifications. These changes are expected to be implemented in the upcoming recruitment cycles.

Aspirants are also encouraged to explore technical roles and apply for a range of positions including Hotel Management, General Duty, Cook, Chef, Lineman, and others under the Agniveer scheme.